Well, I’ve finally found another Lizzy Borden release that I really like (Master of Disguise so far had been the only true winner I’d heard). You could actually say I’ve found TWO releases because this is a compilation of the band’s Give ‘Em the Axe and Terror Rising EPs.

Though the band has always been steeped in shock rock, this release as a whole comes closer to epic Master of Disguise than anything else they’ve done, I think. Kinda funny, because these albums were released quite a few years and albums before that one.

I’m not too thrilled with the cover of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” because I’ve never cared for the original, but it’s an appropriate enough song given that I’ve always thought it was creepy sounding.

“Don’t Touch Me There” is another cover (The Tubes) and I’ve always loved this song, having heard it a few years ago online. It’s got that over-the-top charm that Master of Disguise has and sounds like something that belongs on a Meatloaf album or in Rocky Horror Picture Show. Lizzy (the singer) and Betsy from the band Bitch go all in on this one and really have some fun with it.

“Catch Your Death” is a good rocker and the Terror Rising portion of the album ends with “Terror Rising”, which is mostly a strange and creepy spoken-word piece.

The Give ‘Em the Axe portion is much more heavy and metallic with the band’s signature mix of glam metal, shock metal and Maiden-influenced sounds. The album closes with yet another cover, this time Rainbow’s “Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll”. It’s a suitable cover, but despite Lizzy’s great voice, his shrill sounds can’t match the power of Ronnie James Dio.

Overall, this is an essential Lizzy Borden release. You get to hear the band’s beginnings and then get to hear the even more theatrical turn the band was starting to take heading into Master of Disguise.